Ka Malu o Kaimana Hila

October's Flexibility in Thinking makes way to November and December's habit of CREATIVITY. Here's an excerpt from Dr. Art Costa and Bena Kallick's book called Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind: 16 Essential Characteristics for Success (2008).

All human beings have the capacity to generate novel, clever, or ingenious products, solutions, and techniques -- if that capacity is developed. Creative human beings try to conceive solutions to problems differently, examining alternative possibilities from many angles. They tend to project themselves into different roles using analogies, starting with a vision and working backward, and imagining they are the object being considered. Creative people take risks and frequently push the boundaries of their perceived limits. They are intrinsically rather than extrinsically motivated, working on the task because of the aesthetic challenge rather than the material rewards.

This past month had several different examples of this disposition in action.

The Waikīkī Aquarium had a unique and educational Halloween celebration that interested visitors of all ages. They spotlighted collector urchins who traded in their natural protective gear for Halloween costumes designed and 3D printed by students from Waikīkī School.

Collector urchins are known for their habit of adorning themselves with pieces of rock, snail shells, and algae for protection. However, during the Halloween season, the urchins on display at the Waikīkī Aquarium ditched their usual attire in favor of tiny hats and other disguises, courtesy of the inventive students from Waikīkī School .

Collector urchins are not just a delightful Halloween attraction; they play a crucial role in Hawaii's marine ecosystem. All the urchins at the Aquarium were raised by the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) Sea Urchin Hatchery at Ānuenue Fisheries Research Center. When released into the ocean, these urchins act as a form of biocontrol, helping to combat invasive algae that threaten Hawaiian reefs.

The project offered a unique learning opportunity for Waikīkī School students who learned the importance of these creatures in maintaining Hawaii's marine environment.

"The Waikīkī Aquarium is excited to partner with Waikīkī School for this educational and fun-filled Halloween event," said Mary Roney, an educator at the Aquarium. "We invite everyone to come and explore the Aquarium galleries, specially decorated for Halloween, and see if you can spot the collector urchins wearing their costumes." Special thanks goes out to Waikīkī School's Community Partnership & Place Based Coordinator Mrs. Courtney Carpenter for making this possible.

Our fifth graders, under the direction of Mr. Lawrence, worked to design and build our Halloween Haunted House. From inspiration to implementation, Waikiki students used their creativity to transform our school walkway into a maze with hidden "scare zones" scattered all throughout the layout. Because of their hard work and creativity, our Haunted House could be enjoyed by hundreds of frightened families. Special thanks goes out to all of our awesome teachers, staff, and parent volunteers who made this all possible!

1. Third Saturday of the month, Family Work Day at the School's Farm. Next one is - Saturday, November 18th, 8:30am-10:30am. Please park off campus and walk back to the farm (across from the C Bldg).

2. Special Fundraiser Workshop at the Farm. Saturday, November 18th, 11:00am-12:30pm, Join Gina of Eco Mindful Lei and Learn to make Ti Leaf Lei La'i and Pu'olo Wrap. Cost is $40, register here https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=21828231

3. Kinder, First and Second Grade Families - 'Aina Program is happening! If you're interested in volunteering for your keiki's class, please contact Golie at Dr.Golie@gmail.com

4. Volunteer at the Food Farm - Wednesday morning drop in from 8am-10:00. Sign in at the office and walk back to the farm. Contact Ms. Karla if you have questions karlameek@waikikischool.org

So what exactly is the Winter Store? Our Winter Store is a place where all of our 566 students go to shop for 3 "TRADITIONAL" gifts or "I LOVE YOU" gifts. The gifts are then paid for and lovingly wrapped by volunteers.

Here's how you can be of help...

We are asking for donations of preferably brand new items such as gifts that you received and can’t make use of (we all have those sitting around), or gently used items (items that are still worthy of being purchased by our kids). With 566 students we will need a minimum of 1,698 gifts. We love household items like mugs, picture frames, vases, bowl sets,

kitchen stuff, knickknacks & costume jewelry is always a hit.

We always need daddy/men gifts, (we always run out of these), and lots of mommy/women gifts. Which means that we'll need lots of wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift boxes, ribbons, bows…did I mention wrapping paper?...etc., etc.

Donations are being accepted throughout the month of November. You may drop it off

in the cafeteria to the right of the steps in front of the stage between the hours of 7:15

a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. If you have any questions, please contact Aunty

Dolly at dolly@waikikischool.org or at 971-6900.

The Winter Store starts from Tuesday, December 5 through Thursday, December 7.

The cost of the gifts ranges from 25 cents to $3.00. The children can purchase 3 gifts for someone other than themselves. This not only teaches them the gift of giving, but also math, flexible thinking and other HOMs.

Calling all parents, guardians, grandparents, uncles, aunties, big brothers, big sisters, neighbors, & friends! We need your help to wrap gifts! Don’t know how? We’ll be more than

happy to teach you!

Volunteers are needed to help sort donations & price donations on Monday, December 4,

and man our Winter Store from December 5-7. Please check the time(s) that you will be available to assist. It’s a lot of fun and your help is vital in making our Winter Store a success! If you are able to stay longer, please feel free to do so. If you can only cover for an hour, then do so. If you can’t, don’t worry!

*Please mark your calendar to remind you of your commitment. This is your confirmation.

October 30 - November 13 - Parent-Teacher Conferences. Early Release at 1:15 pm for 10 days.

November 9 - Ohana Night 5:30 pm Kids 4 CPR

November 10 - Veteran's Day (No School)

November 18 - Food Farm Work Day

November 20 - PTO CPK Night Fundraiser

November 23 - 24 - Thanksgiving Holiday (No School)

December 22-January 4 - Winter Break (No School)

December 5-7 - Winter Store

Email: ryan@waikikischool.org
Website: waikikischool.org
Location: 3710 Leahi Avenue, Honolulu, HI, USA
Phone: (808) 971-6900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaikikiSchool
Twitter: @WaikikiSchool